Lost on Earth or Fateful Love

By: Lily Alex

Chapter One:
The meeting

Robert Noirson

It was the usual charity benefit and Robert Noirson was bored.

* * *

As the Son of the Devil he could have such fun as no human being could have. But appearing as a respectable businessman, Noirson had to follow the general rules.

Robert was pretending to be an ordinary man, and only his closest partners and servants knew his real status.

* * *

Forty-two years old, Robert Noirson was taking part in this benevolent arrangement, and it was not for the first time, so he knew the entire event thoroughly. Some speeches, some performances, he would write a check. Reporters would then take some pictures.

Easy, usual, boring. Robert tried not to yawn. He was the Beast, a wild animal, and only the Power of his father made him look like a man. This was why he did not understand the most of human entertainment and he watched the gymnastic performance with indifference.

But finally the leading girl attracted his attention; he liked her stern self-confidence. Her face looked familiar. Platinum blonde, she had strange kaleidoscopic eyes. They always seemed to be changing color, depending on her mood, from transparent gray when she was depressed, through to blue when she felt happy, to aqua and almost green when she was angry.

Miniature yet toned as all gymnasts are, she was moving with hidden energy. She was like a genie in a bottle, and Robert Noirson got interested: "Who's the girl in the green track-suit?"

"It's Maria Jablonskaia, Mary J." Father Frank smiled. "Our pride and joy. She could be a professional gymnast, but the poor girl has no ambitions!"

"Everybody has ambitions," Robert retorted derisively. "Just in different walks of life. Could you introduce me to her?"

"Sure, Mr. Noirson!" Mother Augusta joined them. "Mary is a good, obedient girl."

"Obedient, eh?" Robert screwed up his eyes. "How obedient?"

"Well," Father Frank laughed nervously. "A little."

But Robert showed no interest in this subject any more.

Mary Jablonskaia

Mary finished her part and looked at her tutors. She saw that they were talking and casting glances at her. Propping his chin up with his fist, Noirson was looking right at her.

Mary felt irritated. She had received "offers" from some rich men and even women a few times. Until today her intentional rudeness had kept them at bay.

But Mary had a lot of troubles. Her tutors urged her to accept those offers, and even punished her when she refused. Mary was worried that it was going to happen again.

Father Frank waved her over.

"Mary, let me introduce you to Mr. Robert Noirson."

"Hello," Mary said through clenched teeth. "How's your wife?""She's okay," Robert smiled admiringly. He stretched out his arm.

"Sorry," Mary's face was stern. "My hands are clammy and covered with talc."

"It's okay," Robert kept his arm stretched out. "You've done a great job!"

Mary sighed, stepped forward and clutched his hand.

Robert gasped and his face changed. Now he recalled where he had seen the same face before. Now he realized that he had been hooked.

Mary looked at him with amazement: "I told you it's disgusting!"

She tried to pull her hand away, but Noirson did not release it. Robert understood that this girl had been made specially for him. He could not resist the charm of the Virgin Mary. Even if it was just a clone.

"Would you be so kind?!" Mary said harshly pulling her hand. "Please, just let me go!"

"Mary!" Mother Augusta gasped with indignation.

"I need to talk to you." Robert watched Mary's reaction.

"I don't wanna," she answered impudently. "I'm tired and sweaty, I'd like to take a shower!"

"Mary, shame on you!" Father Frank could not resist himself any more. "You're defaming our orphanage!"

Mary's face turned red and she looked down.

"Hush!" Robert uttered tenderly. "Don't shout at the poor girl, she's tired. Go, Mary, take a shower and come back. I really need to talk to you. Privately."

Mary's heart broke. She hung her head and almost ran away. Near the exit door she looked back and saw Noirson writing a check.

All hope appeared lost.The talk

Dispirited, Mary was sitting in the change room. All the other girls had already left and Mary was feeling all alone and defenseless like never before.

Mother Augusta came in: "Are you sleeping?! Mr. Noirson is waiting for you!"

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Mary!" Father Frank shouted as he came inside. "You must go!"

"I won't go!" Mary was shaking. "I'm of age! You can't force me! You can't just sell me! It's against the law! I'll ask for help! Police, court, women's organization . . . Be sure, I'll find someone who will be able to protect me!"

"Dear girl!" Mother Augusta glanced at Father Frank, knelt and hugged Mary. "No one will "sell" you! Look, guess what? Mr. Noirson paid for you to live in building #7. Here is your card. The apartment, corridors, exit doors, even the gate can be opened only by a special card like this one. Security, free room service . . ."

"I can't sell myself!" Mary burst into tears.

"Sh-sh-sh, baby!" Mother Augusta was patting the trembling girl's back. "But you know, Mr. Noirson is rich enough to buy our whole orphanage and he has enough power to close it forever. You're not an egoist, are you? You have to think about the other poor kids that we take care of. When your parents died, you were only three! Our orphanage raised you and you needed nothing! But now it's time to pay us back!"

"I can't believe it!" Mary was panting. "You're a nun! And you're urging me to commit a sin!"

"I'll give you absolution!" the eyes of Father Frank were shifty. "I'll take this "sin" on myself. Look, Mary, I swear, it's not a sin to have sex. The sense of duty forces you, not lust! Think about the other girls and boys, their future depends on you!""Okay," Mary wiped her face resolutely. "Finally, it's not my fault. I'll show you, I can be grateful!"

* * *

Robert gave Mary an amazing glance: she entered the private room as if it was a torture chamber: "What's the matter, Mary?"

The girl tossed her face. She wanted to answer sharply, but sobs choked her: "I'll be obedient."

"What are you talking about?" Noirson was wonder-struck.

Suddenly, he realized the reason for her tears. He gasped, stepped towards the frightened Mary, and grabbed her shoulders.

"How could you think about me this way?!" he shook the girl. "You don't know me! We just met! Why did you think this outrageous thing about me?!"

"I'm sorry," Mary J. was so surprised, she even stopped crying. "I don't mean to offend you. I was forced . . ."

"Who?! He or she ?!"

"Are you gonna kill them?" Mary smiled with curiosity. "You look so mad!"

"Don't worry," Robert released the girl and grinned. "I'll be right back!" And he went away.

Mary cheered up. Her composure returned.

Noirson was not absent for long. When he came back, Mary saw his livid face and felt pity.

"I'm sorry," she repeated and asked. "What have you done with them?"

"Don't worry, they'll never disturb you again. I just reminded them of their bad deeds. There is a skeleton in every house."

"You can read thoughts!?" Mary got interested. "Can you find my "skeleton"?"

"You've got it, birdie!" a strange smile curved the thin lips of Robert. "That fool Frank thinks you have no ambitions. Hah! You want to be Jesus's mate, don't you? You want to mate with the Messiah, eh?.. Why did you blush? You're a beautiful sinless Jew, so why not?"

"I'm Russian."

"Yes, you were born in Moscow. But if your mother is a Jew, you are a Jew too. Look, I'm really charmed with your self-confidence! Can I hug you or do you think I'm going to rape you?"

"No, it's okay. I'm thankful to you."

It was a father-like hug. Mary finally calmed down, she melted with a feeling of security and peace. Noirson unclasped his arms, and Mary J. felt a loss.

"Mary, I showed you I'm not an ordinary man. Now do you believe me?"

"I believe you and I will trust you."

"Mary, you are not human. You are an angel in the human form."

"Many times people have called me `angel'," Mary burst out laughing. "But I always thought it was just a figure of speech . . . Wait a minute! How do you know? Are you an angel too?"

"Well," Robert faltered. "Sort of. Look, Mary, I'm a really busy man, but I want to talk to you. Could you give me two hours a day, maybe more, I'm not sure. But two hours I'll try to get. I promise, we'll meet only in public places. Is it okay with you?"

Mary nodded.

"Great! Tomorrow, wait for me in the "Green Streets" cafe, it's just across your street, between McDonalds and the book-shop."

"I've got it."

"Wait for me until 1:00 p.m. if I'm able to make it, I'll come. Well, I'm going to use your time so I'll pay for it, thirty dollars an hour. Is that okay with you?"

"Do you mean sixty dollars per day?"

"Some day, there may be more, if I'm able . . . Ah, do you want more?! I'll pay you cash and you won't have to pay any tax . . . Oh-oh, Scroogette! Do you remember, I'm paying for your campus apartment?!"

"Okay, deal!" Mary smiled and stretched out her hand.The first date

That morning Mary woke up in her new apartment. She opened her eyes and could not understand if she was dreaming or if it was real. Her entire bedroom was decorated with flowers.

She got up, ran to the living room, to the kitchen . . . Flowers, flowers everywhere . . . Even in the bathroom.

Mary called the security service: "It's 7-26. By whom and at what time were the flowers delivered to me?!"

"Sorry, miss, what do you mean? Nobody came inside."

Mad, Mary threw the receiver.

* * *

At 11 a.m., Mary J. went to the cafe.

The table had been reserved. Mary sat by the window and took a menu. But when she saw the prices, she nearly jumped out of her chair. Mary had never visited a luxury cafe and she was astonished. Nevertheless, she hoped, that if Noirson had invited her here, he would also pay for her meal. Mary took a juice and salad, and started to wait. She was still very angry about the flowers and was preparing a few harsh words.

But Robert was late and Mary had plenty of time to calm down. She was looking through the window at the endless stream of people and traffic. She worried that, if Noirson did not come, she would have to waste almost all her cash for just one lunch.

* * *

It was already 1:00 p.m., but Mary decided to wait a few minutes longer.

At 1:03 p.m., a limousine stopped at the front of the cafe. A man opened the door and Noirson quickly got out.The eyes of Mary J. flashed with joy. For the first time in her lonely life, somebody stood up for her and she felt more than just gratitude for Robert.

Mary observed Noirson speaking on his cell-phone. About six feet tall, dark brunet, Robert was very slender and elegant. He moved with masculine grace. When he was turning, his refined body curved like a snake, and his stylish business suit only emphasized this likeness.

Mary involuntarily recalled the Bible: `The Serpent, the Tempter, the First Snake.' And she smiled. Noirson impressed her, but unlike most women, she was not afraid of snakes, and she was a strong believer in God, strong enough to fight Satan.

Robert looked at his watch and entered the cafe. Mary waved, and a smiling Noirson came to her. Two hefty men followed him and sat at the next table. She looked at them with curiosity.

"Did you send one of those guys to bring the flowers to me?" Mary playfully glanced at Robert. "You did grease the palm of the security guards in my building. Didn't you?"

"No, birdie, I'll explain." Noirson ordered his meal to the waitress and turned to Mary again. "I wanted your first morning in the new apartment to be special. So, I just did this!" He snapped his fingers, and Mary gasped, when she saw a cute tiny corsage of lilies of the valley appeared on her plate.

"Wow!" Mary J. admired the flowers, then looked again at the men at the next table. "Are you always with bodyguards?"

"I have to be." Robert's face was serious. "I have too many enemies."

"They are both so beautiful, I thought all bodyguards looked like gorillas."

"Not necessarily, kitten . . ." Noirson did not finish. He wanted to say: "I only use things of the highest quality." But he was afraid she would misunderstand this.

"Especially, that left one," Mary continued. "His face is so intelligent, he looks like a senator, or some kind of professor . . ."

"His name is Roger Slay, and he's more than just my bodyguard. He's my helper, my valet and butler. Jack Leclerc is the head bodyguard, the chief of my security service."

"What a name your butler has!" Mary laughed. "Is he an assassin or something?"

"Something." Noirson smiled. "Look, little lamb, I have an awfully tense life. Sometimes it's just vitally necessary to have such a guy by my side."

"Cool," Mary's eyes were iridescent with interest. "And do you even take them when you're on a date?"

"Did you think this meeting was a date?" Robert screwed up his eyes, and Mary blushed. "Oh, girl, you're not just beautiful, you're smart also! It's a very rare combination, I'm simply charmed."

"Mr. Noirson, please, don't say such things. You're a married man and not supposed to have dates."

"Look, Mary, if I'm looking for a relationship to "spice up" my life, I'd call an "escort girl." I called you, because you are not an ordinary person. You were surprised with my abilities, but you have no less than I do! I'd like to teach you how to use them. So, could you, please, just call me `Robert' and not remind me about my marital status? Sweetie, it hurts badly, believe me!"

"I'm sorry, mist . . . R o b e r t," Mary voiced slowly, and liked the sound of his name. "Why does it hurt?"

"Some day I'll tell you . . . Okay, bunny, tell me, how do you like your new apartment?"

* * *

Roger Slay had already answered a few phone calls. He looked at his watch then at his Master. Robert was still talking with Mary and from time to time, they would burst out laughing.

Roger hesitated, consulted with Jack, and finally came to their table: "I'm terribly sorry, sir, but we have to go. We've been here longer than we had planned."

Noirson looked at his watch, whistled and his face became upset. Mary felt pity and touched his hand: "It's okay, Robert. I have a lesson pretty soon, I have to go also. I'll see you tomorrow, I hope?"

Noirson took her hand and the she understood, he wanted to kiss it, but did not dare. Then Mary resolutely stretched her arm out and smiled with pleasure when Robert's lips touched her fingers.

Jerry

Sixteen years old, a blue eyed blonde, Jerry was very attractive and not only to women.

But having been very straight since he was a kid, Jerry learned to defend himself. He worked out every day, stealing money to pay for his training, and he was eleven the first time he handled a gun.

Yet the first time he killed somebody it was only four years later. Jerry and three of his pals caught a girl on the parking lot and they raped her. If she had kept silent, they honestly would have let her go, but she started to cry and threaten them. Jerry did not like noises and he grabbed his gun and shot her down. And when one of his pals became nervous about that, he shot him too.

The teenager was surprised at how easy it was and thought that it was a wonderful solution for almost any problem.

In the meantime, Jerry had just turned sixteen, but he already had a police record like few experienced criminals had, including robberies and burglaries, guns and drug trade, suspected in a few rapes and even a few murders. His cool cruelty that Jerry was showing, fulfilling orders of his boss, was legendary even among criminals.

* * *

That day, when the boss called for him, Jerry was happy. Just two days ago the boss had arranged a really nice birthday party for him. The boss treated him very respectably, as an adult member and the grateful teenager was ready to go through fire and water for him.

Today's task was not easy. They had to deliver "stuff", the first batch at least, but the police were alerted, and if anyone was able to do that, it was he, Jerry. He had only lived in that city for a few months and policemen had not noticed him yet.

The "operation"

When Ray Desross saw the teenager, his face looked familiar, and he called him. The lad came close and smiled. He was very tall, almost as tall as Ray was, his big dark blue eyes sparkled like sapphires, and the policeman got confused. His own daughter looked very similar, and he forgot, where he could have seen that tender and child-like face.

"Are you new here?" he asked. "I've never seen you before."

"It's summer vacation, officer," the teenager did not show any fear or worry. "I'm visiting my brother here, sir."

"Okay, take care." Desross followed him with his eyes.

Suddenly he saw Todd, his partner. He ran, holding his gun. "Freeze!" Todd shouted. The teenager flung himself into a side street. The policeman shot, but did not get him.

"My God!" Ray was shocked. "Todd, he's just a kid!"

"Are you drunk or what?" His partner stared at him with amazement. "That "kid" killed our colleague in Cleveland! Why did you let him go?!"

Desross gasped, and felt confused.

* * *

Although Jerry had lived here just a few months, he was already familiar with this part of the city. When he realized that he had been exposed he turned and went down a dead end street with an iron-barred gate. He pushed himself through the gate. His gun got stuck between those bars, the teenager took it away and smiled, recalling "Terminator-2", the movie. He felt no fear, just pleasant excitation. No adult could come through the same way.

But just a couple of blocks farther Jerry saw them again. Now one more policeman had joined Ray and Todd.

Jerry started getting angry. It was already nighttime, and the teenager clutched onto the oncoming truck and was sure he would be able get away. But today was not his lucky day. Some stupid or drunk driver turned into the one way street and the headlights of the car lit up Jerry.

The policemen shouted and grabbed their guns. The teenager jumped off the truck and saw the building with outside fire steps. He rushed up, feeling how the pursuers were getting closer and closer.

Upstairs the third policeman almost caught him. Jerry turned and shot, his hand did not falter and the hit of the bullet caused the policeman fall from the roof. Ray and Todd fired too, but Jerry had already gone down on the other side of the building.

* * *

Running away, Jerry had passed three blocks already, and for the first time in his life, he started to panic. He lost his way in that city which was new to him. He could not find any place to hide. He could not shake them off, and any second their colleagues would be able to hem him in.

But finally, Jerry saw a building and he noticed an opened window on the second floor. He was agile like a monkey and got up very easily. The couple on the bed was making love, but he showed them his gun and the young people kept silent.

Jerry did not want to take any risks and ordered the guy to tie his girlfriend up, and then Jerry tied the youth. He closed the window and kept his eyes on the street. He was not familiar with this part of the city and was worried. He saw running policemen pass the building. He saw, how they went back, and he understood that the street was a dead end. Police were gone and Jerry sighed with relief.

He gazed at the couple. The helpless girl on the bed looked very tempting. After such stress Jerry needed to relax. Lying on the floor, her boyfriend was tied securely and the teenager did not see a reason to suppress his desire. Scared to death, the girl did not even try to resist.

After, when he had got that he wanted, smiling Jerry left the apartment. He was sure luck was on his side.

But he was on duty and should have stayed alert. However, the pursuit after him made the teenager tired and that last action took away almost all his remaining strength. He felt sleepy and he disregarded the danger. Without checking he went to the street and almost collided with Ray and Todd.

He screamed and rushed to the first alley between the buildings and realized at once that he had been trapped. It was a dead end and only a big trash container was here. The teenager heard how they contacted their colleagues and he felt despair.

Suddenly a new plan came upon Jerry. He started calling the names of the policemen, he was mocking and threatening them.

"Look, kid!" Ray Desross shouted. "Don't make things worse! Just come here with your hands up!"

"Try and make me!" Jerry laughed.

Holding their guns, the policemen carefully walked into the alley. Although the trash container was really big and not every adult would be able to drop it down, Jerry was well trained, he was very strong, and even more so, he was horrified and mad, and he did it. The huge pile of the trash fell onto the policemen and the teenager tried to run away.

But Todd was buried just to his chest and he clutched Jerry's leg. The teenager fell down. He screamed and kicked Todd, yet the policeman did not release him. His another arm moved out from under the trash and Jerry thought Todd held a gun, but it was a set of cuffs and that scared the teenager even more.He grabbed his gun and shot the policeman. He kept firing until the gun was empty. He did not hear Ray scream, calling his partner's name and making his way out. Jerry kicked the dead policeman again, freed his leg, and sprang up. But Desross shot a few times and Jerry collapsed. He wriggled, unsuccessfully trying to get up, and then lay still.

Keeping him on the point of his gun, Ray slowly went close. The teenager was still alive, but Desross was a professional and he understood that lad was wounded fatally. His childish wide-opened naive eyes urged the policeman to feel pity. He put his gun away and bent over the teenager to check him out.

And Jerry hit Desross in his belly with his knife. Well aimed, that strike was certainly mortal and they both realized it. They heard sirens and saw flashing lights of oncoming police cars, but it was no matter for them now. Jerry hit Desross again and again. Amazed, Ray just stared at his murderer. Desross did not understand, how he, an experienced policeman, was able to make such a mistake. He knew that he was dying and he thought about his daughter.

A smile was on the beautiful lips of the teenager. But it was a smile of death.

The offer

He was Beyond. And he saw numberless awful things that living human beings could not even imagine.

Many, many times he went close to those horrifying events and he felt intolerable despair and terror. But all the time something like a strong hand led him away, and he saw new and boundless nightmares.* * *

Jerry opened his eyes, and at first, he did not understand where he was. Suddenly he sensed pain again, he felt bandages and catheters, and he realized he was in a hospital.

A man was siting near him and looking at him very attentively.

"Hi Jerry," the man said with deep low voice. "How do you like the place that you've just visited?"

"Which place?" Jerry asked with effort.

The man smiled: "It was Hell, Jerry. And you're going to that place. And all those events are waiting for you. You're dying, poor boy."

"No," Jerry licked his lips and looked around the ward. "Why aren't they trying to heal me? Where are all those fucking doctors?"

"They tried their best." the man snorted. "But they are just humans. Besides, why do you want them to cure you? You're going to have a lethal injection or get the chair. Which do you prefer?"

And Jerry wept. He cried like a child. Damn, he was a child! He was just sixteen and did not want to die.

"Oh, Jerry, what did you expect? Did you think you would go to Heaven, doing such things? Who forced you?" Robert Noirson waited for Jerry's answer with curiosity. And he was pleasantly surprised.

"You're right," the teenager sighed. "Nobody forced me. I chose this path myself."

"I like your way of thinking." Robert smiled. "So, how do you like the place that you've seen? How do you like Hell?"

"How the fuck do you know, what I saw?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk . . ." Noirson shook his head. "I'm a respectable creature, boy! Don't use such language when you're talking to me!"

"Okay, sir," the teenager replied derisively. "Could you explain, how do you know, what I saw in my delirium?"

"Because, I'm the manager of that place."

The teenager stared at Noirson: "Are you the Devil?"

"No, I'm just His Son. I did not say I'm the owner of that place. I said, I'm just the manager here, on Earth and there in Hell."

"And you wanna get my soul?"

"Don't be so naive!" Robert laughed. "I already have it! With my abilities, I don't need servants at all, but I don't like to waste the Power. So, if something can be done without using that, I prefer that way. And, well, I must follow some rules. One of them is that before I "hire" someone, I have to tell him this: you can release yourself from me if you sincerely repent or commit something "noble", and . . ." Noirson stopped for a second and continued with visible effort and spite. "And I must tell you, it happens sometimes! But I don't think you're such a person."

For a few minutes they were silent, thinking about that. The teenager checked his feelings. He really was not sorry, and more so, recalling the cop, which he killed last, Jerry sensed such anger that he surprised himself. Robert smiled.

"Okay, here is one warning: if you die in fire, voluntary or accidentally you'll not go to Hell, you'll just not exist until the Day of Judgment, when we all will answer for our actions."

The gloomy anxiety in Noirson's voice made the teenager smile: "Well, for everything you do you have to pay for, right?"

"Oh, you're such a brave boy, eh?" Robert's eyes glinted. "I like your personality, Jerry! I like your sense of responsibility; and here is my offer: I promise to you my patronage and caring as long as you are faithful to me. I know, you weren't so clever to be a leader, however, you're smart enough to be a good soldier. All that I ask, is your submission. So, what will it be?"

"I'm hurting." Jerry responded dismally. "I don't know when I'll be able to be in good condition."

Robert sighed. He touched Jerry and the teenager gasped. The pain was gone and these bandages and catheters fell off instantly.

Unbelieving, Jerry sprang up, raced to the mirror and threw off his gown. He stared at his beautiful, youthful body, it was healthy again and had no scars.

Very, very slowly the teenager walked to Noirson and knelt: "My Lord! My life is in Your hands!"And Robert smiled with self-satisfaction.

* * *

It had happened almost three years ago.

Now nineteen years old, Jerry was the youngest member of Robert's security force. Noirson "hired" him just four months ago and it was the first time someone had gone from being a nobody to one of the closest servants in one step. Skillful and smart, Jerry was the best in the training camp and his unlimited devotion to Robert was well known.

Very tall, Jerry had a great body for his age, and it would become even better with his gaining in strength and becoming manly.

In contrast, his clean-shaven face was still tender and girl-like. In the camp he grew his hair, and now, when his thick wavy mane, the color of fallen leaves, was loose, it flowed down below his shoulders, he looked like a viking or some kind of deity from a Scandinavian saga. But at work he always tied his hair into a ponytail. The big dark blue eyes, shaded with long eyelashes, and his plum, refined lips made him even more attractive than before, and his natural, wild masculine beauty impressed people.

The impression

While waiting for Ron, his head partner, Jerry was lying on his bed and smoking. He did not even take off his shoes, and had lain right on the bedclothes. He observed the maid doing the room. She did not look at Jerry, and he felt vexation.

Jerry got up, came closer and lightly pinched the maid.

"Nice rump, girl!" he smiled and waited for her reaction.

She calmly turned to him and looked right into his eyes.

"Keep your hands to yourself, boy." she retorted derisively. "If you wanna boink someone, go to the building C, fourth floor.""What if I wanna boink you?"

"I'd like to see you try!" she snored.

"Oh, yeah? Are you superwoman?!" Jerry got angry. "I can make you with one hand!" he shouted, however, did not touch her.

"Go ahead!" she challenged. "I'll not resist, you mountain of muscles! I'm not a virgin, I'll lose nothing! But you will be in deep, deep shit! Mr. Noirson protects all his servants, you stupid ape!"

Jerry choked with rage, and who knows, what could have happened next, but in that moment Ron entered the room: "Let's go, partner!"

"Fuck you, bitch!" Irritated, Jerry went to the door.

"In your dreams, baby!" she burst out laughing.

Mad, Jerry spun to her, but Ron pushed him outside: "Control yourself!"

More than twice as old as Jerry, he was a little shorter than his youthful partner, however, built more solidly. Swarthy, with black hair, Ron had a thick, carefully manicured mustache and piercing brown eyes. He was not human, and Robert chose him to tutor Jerry.

"Look, pal!" Ron reproachfully shook his head. "Behaving like that will get you in big trouble one day!"

"Where are we going?" Jerry wanted to change the subject.

"Whatever the Master will order." Ron smiled and said quietly. "He's going on date."

"With that nunette?" Jerry giggled. "I can imagine!" He put his hands together as for prayer and lifted his eyes.

* * *

To his surprise she was wearing shorts and sports top.

He leered at her legs as usual. "Too muscular," Jerry noted. He did not like that. "The waist isn't bad . . . Mmmmmm, great tits! What a lucky guy my Master is." Jerry thought. "Interesting, C size or D?""Nice to meet you!" the girl stretch out her hand, and he finally looked at her face.

Her succulent lips and golden fluffy hair made Jerry crazy. The world around him disappeared.

"Are you okay?" this guy gave her such a strange glare that Mary was amazed. "What's wrong?"

She glanced at Robert. He did not reply, just stared at his youthful servant.

Mary J. could not even imagine how she lucky was, having been under Noirson's protection. She would have been in grave danger if Jerry had met her just one week ago.

But for him she was now taboo.

The youthful security kept silent, and being worried, Ron gently punched him in his back. Jerry shook his head and sighed as if he had just woken up.

"Sorry, Miss Jablonsky!" Jerry uttered as a robot would. "Too much sun today. I'm at your service!"

* * *

Mary and Robert sat at the alley bench. Ron and Jerry placed themselves a short distance away from them to watch all approaches.

"That's not fair." Jerry was talking as in delirium. "I was living in this damn city during the last four months. I could have met her, I could even have fucked her!"

"Stop it, Jerry!" Ron was horrified. "She's His girl!"

"I know . . ." Jerry moaned. "If she was even the President's girlfriend, it wouldn't stop me! But she's His girl . . . If Mr. Noirson orders me to, I'll kill her, you, myself, my own mother, whoever! And my hand won't falter, I swear! But nobody can forbid me to wait. How long have they been dating? Just a few days! Maybe He'll change His mind . . ."

"Don't count on that, buddy. I know the Master too well.""Maybe they will break up!.. I'll be waiting . . . While there is life, there is hope . . ."

"Yeah, correct. While there is life . . ." Ron sighed.

Max

In the servant's bar Jerry took a beer and a snack and stared at the TV. He did not understand that he was watching. All he could think about was Mary.

"Hey, Jerry!" one servant called him. "Why are you so crooked?"

"Go to Hell!" Jerry snarled mechanically. He was imagining what kind of fun he could have with that girl.

"Look, buddy, it's not good for your health. You're too young to throw down a beer every day!"

"Prove it!" Jerry grinned. "In my Id I'm twenty three!"

Three security guards not far away from Jerry were whispering to each other.

"You're kidding, Max! Impossible!"

"It's true. I'll show you. Let's go, guys, you'll see!"

They moved, so that Jerry would be able to hear them.

"You know, Fred," Max started loudly. "Mary Jablonskaia has a walk around her building every night . . ."

"Oh, yeah?" Jerry credulously turned to them. "Why?"

"Probably, she wants to meet you!" the servant impudently laughed right into Jerry's face.

The youthful security blushed. He realized that he had been tricked. He got mad, however, he was not drunk enough to lose control of himself and start a fight. He was new and alone. Those guys were professionals and waited for his reaction. They were alert and Jerry did not want to be beaten.

He silently drained his glass, then got up, took the bottle and left the bar. Behind he heard the guffaw, but he did not look back.The threat

Three months had passed as if only a few days. "Two hours" sometimes became a whole day. Noirson started to neglect his duties and his partners finally got worried.

* * *

As all wild animals Robert Noirson slept lightly. The voices in the next room woke him up.

"I said, you can go inside only over my dead body!" Roger Slay was hissing. "The Master is sleeping and my duty is to let him rest, no matter who wants to disturb him!"

"What the hell's going on?!" wearing a dressing gown, Noirson came out of his bedroom.

He saw Becker, his tutor and supervisor. Stubby, but imposing and dignified, John Becker was in his mid sixties. As the President of the Noirson's Corporation, he managed all business and affairs. Besides, Becker was the uncle of Robert's wife, and Noirson got confused.

"John, I'm very tired, could we talk tomorrow?"

"No, my dear boy! We have to talk right now!"

Slay gazed at his Master. The demon in the human body, Roger Slay was ready to do anything for the Son of the Devil, and Robert hesitated for a second. He was so fatigued that he even thought how tempting it was to order Roger to kick John out of the room and go to sleep again. But his sense of duty and respect for Becker compelled Noirson to take control of himself.

"Okay, John," Robert sighed, nodded to Slay and sat on the chair. "What's the matter?"

"Have you lost your mind?" Becker looked at his ward with rage. "When did you last read the Report?"

"Last night on my way home."

"And what? Did you call?! Did you fix it?""I made a call. But sorry, I'm out of the Power for today, I'll do it tomorrow, I promise."

"Again?! What did you show her today? Dinosaurs? Volcanoes?"

"Egypt!" Noirson tried to smile. "You know, the Sphinx . . ."

"Silence!" Becker pounded the table. "Did you waste twenty-four hour's portion of your Power just to impress that young thing, with whom you didn't even sleep?!"

"I was really close to that today . . ." Robert smiled and closed his eyes.

* * *

It was an extremely hot day and they decided to go to beach.

However, soon Robert understood it was a bad idea. He saw the drops of her sweat and water, and grains of sand glittered brilliantly on her almost naked body, he lost the line and barely saved the conversation.

But when the vanilla ice-cream that Mary was eating, started to melt and dripped on her breasts, Noirson said to himself: "That's it!" And they left the beach.

* * *

Now Robert recalled those sights and moaned with admiration and desire.

"Robert, my boy, you're sick."

"All work and no fun makes Robert a dull boy. I'm just happy!"

"Sir, business before pleasure! You are here on duty! Remember that! And my duty is to help the plenipotentiary of Satan whoever that is."

"And what?! John, I told you, I'm tired and awfully want to sleep! I don't understand your hints!"

"Better if you will understand. None so deaf as those who won't hear. Okay, let's get it straight! I have to ask you, do you really think you are irreplaceable?!"The eyes of the Beast opened widely: "Is that a threat?!"

"No, sir, just a warning."

"You don't mean it, John," Noirson asked quietly. All his drowsiness was gone at once. "Do you?"

"I do mean it, sir."

Noirson hung his head.

"Robert, please," Becker tenderly hugged his ward. "Just be a good boy, all the pleasures on Earth and in Hell are yours!"

"How about Heavenly enjoyment?"

"Robert, my darling, don't fall between two stools! It's very dangerous, trust me."

Noirson did not reply.

"Okay, Robert, go to bed, my boy. I love you, dear, and only wish you well." Becker patted Noirson's shoulders and went away.

But for a long time Robert was still sitting, thinking about this conversation.

The proposal

Noirson knew that Mary had fallen for him. It was easy to make her feel love for him. And now, after Becker's threat Robert decided to take the next step.

* * *

When Noirson offered to take Mary for a ride in his limousine she did not hesitate for long. The huge black car, as long as a winter night, impressed her. Gary, the driver, respectfully opened wide a door. Robert gallantly helped Mary get inside.

But when the door slammed, Mary shook, she felt trapped. This was the first time they were alone together. Noirson clearly understood her concerns and sat as far away as was possible.* * *

As usual, Robert gave Mary all his attention. He asked the girl about her day, told her about his day in a funny way. He told jokes and short stories, showed her some tricks and carefully gave her compliments.

He took the emptiness from Mary with a corsage of flowers. Although Mary saw it as a trick and it was not the first time, it impressed her again. But now she started playing the capricious girl. Robert smiled, woke up to her game and started rearranging the flowers. They played this game for almost an hour.

When the game turned boring, Noirson opened the bar and poured Mary a glass with red liquid. Mary smelled it mistrustfully: "It's wine! What did you do, Robert! I'll be twenty one only in the September!"

"Wine?" Noirson raised his eyebrows. "Sorry, kid." He touched the glass and the liquid changed color. Mary carefully smelled it again: "It's water! Oh, Robert, can I try to do it?!"

"Yep. Try to make a soda."

"Dr. Pepper!" Mary closed her eyes and concentrated. Robert smacked her in her cheek.

"Oh!" the girl opened her eyes. "You disturbed me! Bad boy!"

"Oh, my queen! Be gracious to your slave! The doctor is here."

The liquid in the glass was brown and had bubbles.

Mary took a sip of this and sighed: "I wanna do it all by myself."

"Maybe next time, but now, would you like to see another miracle?"

Mary nodded.

"Look at the window! Do you see a reflection of my car in the shop-window? Now you see it, now you don't."

Mary gasped: the reflection disappeared. The girl felt how the car smoothly lifted into the air and turned. Mary slid along the seat to Noirson. They embraced each other, and it was their first real kiss.

Mary felt sweet dizziness: "Oh, Robert, I'm so, so happy!""My little angel, I'm happy too . . . We can be happy all the time. Together." he tenderly kissed the rigid girl. "Do you understand me? Would you marry me?"

Her face turned stony. She carefully released herself from his arms.

"I had a great time, Mr. Noirson." she said coldly. "Could you just drive me home?"

The car returned to Earth. As did Robert. He was taken aback, and he did not understand what was going on. He knew Mary loved him and did not expect to hear a refusal.

He was so visibly shocked that Mary felt pity. She recalled some stuff that she heard about a male's insides. She took his hand and pressed it to her chest: "I'll be your friend . . ." And added hesitatingly: "Even a girlfriend if you'll wish. If you need sex . . ."

"I already have a girlfriend!" Robert sharply pulled his hand back. "And if I only want sex I use a prostitute!"

Now it was Mary's turn to be amazed. Her sheepish eyes forced Noirson to make excuses.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Robert got confused. "Forget what I said! Your absurd, vulgar, unworthy of you offer outraged me more than your refusal!"

Mary buried her face in her hands. She trembled with sobs.

"Look, baby, why did you refuse? Don't you like me? Am I too old for you?"

"Oh, Robert!" Mary stopped weeping. "You talk nonsense! You're not old for me and I . . . I like you . . . Oh, who am I kidding?! I do love you, Robert Noirson. Oh, I love you so much! But you're a married man . . ."

"Stop!" Robert grabbed her hands. "Look into my eyes. Tell me the truth. Is my marital status the only reason for your refusal?"

"Only?!" Mary was amazed. "For me this reason is not just only, it's decisive!""Come on, kitten! We're living in a civilized country. I want a divorce."

"Sorry, Robert, but you know, it's not the way for me: `What God has yoked together let no man put apart.'"

"Listen, Mary, so many times you asked me about my life. Now I'm ready to tell you everything. You can't imagine what kind of abilities I have! The whole world is in my hands!

But that is the reason why an entire sect exists, whose members have sworn to kill me. They know what there is the only one way to kill or even harm me, and it's by using one of six special made daggers. They've tried many times! I'm keeping these daggers into my prayer room.

About my wife . . . I am a businessman, honey. You know our society. You have to be a family guy to have a good reputation. On the public option it's suspicious, if a man after thirty still be single. John gave me his niece Judy and I was forced to marry her. We never loved each other! It's a sham marriage! I swear! She only wanted money!"

"But you have a son!"

"We adopted Dylon."

Mary did not respond. Robert sighed and continued with a visible effort.

"But I beg you, never, never you have to listen to anyone who says anything about me or my past! You know, it's possible to turn everything upside down and show it in the false light . . ." his voice sounded with grief and depression, in his eyes Mary saw such a great sorrow that she promised at once: "I swear, I swear! Don't worry . . . Oh, please, Robert! I'll do it, honest."

He took her hands. Noirson was thinking. Having the wisdom of thousand of years experience he was able to find an exit in almost any situation, and now a new idea came upon to him.

"Mary, my little flower, would you be my official fiancée?" Robert asked. "My marriage is just civil, but I'd like to register the relationship with you in the church. If you agree, I promise, I swear, not to pressure you for sex or marriage! But I want to have rights on you . . ." Noirson stopped short and dared to use even the word that he was afraid the most. "I want to pronounce you as mine in front of the people and God . . . If you refuse this proposal too, I'll kill myself!" Robert felt it sounded too dramatic, and he thought he overdid it. But the young girl might fall for this.

"Look," Mary's face was pale. "You said so much, I need to think about it, okay?"

"Okay," Robert sighed. "Would you like to look at the dagger?"

"No!" Mary screamed, but thought about it and changed her mind. "Yes, show me."

Noirson opened the safe and took the dagger out.

"Be careful," he warned. "Don't touch the blade. It's extremely sharp."

Mary gasped. The size of the dagger shocked the sensitive girl. The blade was longer than ten inches.

"Jesus Christ . . ." Mary moaned. She felt dizzy and dropped the dagger.

Noirson picked it up and put it back in the safe. The girl threw himself to Robert and emotionally embraced him. She was shaken.

* * *

The limousine stopped at a red light. Suddenly Mary heard screams and looked through the window. A blue car swept past by their car. Pedestrians on the crosswalk dispersed in all directions. But one young man was not quick enough. The car hit him and his body rolled towards the buildings. The blue car did not stop.

Forgetting everything, Mary got out of the limousine and ran to the man. He was lying near a wall. He was wearing a cheap, but neat business suit that was now spattered with blood. He was still holding his briefcase. He was bleeding from his nose and ears.

Mary tried to check his pulse. His head lay at an unnatural angle and the girl understood it meant a broken neck. Mary turned her face and saw Noirson. He slowly came through the crowd.

"Oh, Robert! It's so awful!" Mary sighed. "He's gone . . ."

"I know him . . . Oh, my Gosh! I knew him!" a fat lady said. "He was my neighbor, Lloyd Puling. Oh, his wife, Jessica . . . Poor one! And his son, he's just four! Every evening the boy met his father after work, he climbed on him like a little monkey . . . Oh, the poor guy . . ."

Mary looked at Robert with tears in her eyes. Suddenly he smiled.

"Step back everybody!" his deep low voice muffled all sounds. The crowd stepped back.

Robert stretched out both his hands: "My beloved Father, glorify your name!"

A monstrously mighty voice answered him: "I both glorified it and will glorify it again. You are my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."

Some people screamed, almost all knelt.

"This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes." Noirson continued to quote the Bible. He stepped forward and touched the dead man. "Young man, I say to you, get up!"

Everybody gasped when the man moved, sat and rubbed his head: "What happened?"

A storm of cheers was raging around. But Robert and Mary saw only each other.

" I'll be Your fiancée," Mary was talking as if in a trance. "I'll be Your wife. I'll do anything You wish . . ."

Like Cinderella

They returned to the car.

Mary was silent for a few minutes then asked: "Can you resuscitate everybody?"

"Except those who have been burnt to death. However, I can cure any burns or scalds."

"Are you . . . Are you . . . "Mary panted and started to quote the Bible: "`Really, the One . . . Or is there a different one, for whom we should wait?'"

"`The blind are receiving sight," smiling smugly, Robert continued the quotation. "The dead are being raised up.' Is that enough for you?"

"I can't believe," Mary was talking with unlimited pride. "You chose me!.. Of course, I'm sinless, but such a Honor . . ."

"Could you stop talking for a while?"

Mary submissively became silent.

"What time is it?" Robert looked at his watch, thought for a few seconds and continued. "Okay, I hope we have enough time. Listen, Mary, we can go to the church right now, and after our betrothal we need to be separated for a while . . . By the way, do you know Deborah Perkiness? She is Niekamp now."

"Yes, she was on our team, but I've never met her personally."

"No matter, we are good friends. She invited me to her party tonight and I have additional invitation for a partner. Try to guess who I'm going to bring?"

"Your wife?"

"No, my fiancée, the girl whom I love so much. You. Here's your invitation."

Mary gasped, she felt like Cinderella.

"You should go there first. I have some business to attend to. I'll come later."

"I don't have a `good' dress."

"There is your dress." Robert held out a box. "After the church I'll drop you off, you'll have to change into your dress and rent a car." Noirson gave Mary a credit card. "Use it. It's yours now."

"How about your wife? What's her name? Judy?"

"Of course, she'll not come, don't worry, sweetie. What time does the party start? Ah, 7:30. I hope we can make it."Mary did not complain. She promised to be obedient and listen to Robert always and everywhere.

* * *

But she broke her word only a few hours later. She did not rent a car. She called a taxi.

When they came closer to the gate the cab driver looked back at Mary and asked doubtfully: "Are you sure, young lady? Is this the place you're looking for?"

"Did you check the address?"

"Yep, it's the same . . . Okay, let's try."

The surprised security guard took her invitation with suspicion. He made a call and despite her self-confidence Mary got worried.

Only when the gate opened and the cab smoothly moved along the driveway, the girl sighed with relief and put on her jewels.

* * *

"Mary? Mary J.? Is it really you?!" Deborah was smiling. "Of course, I was just wondering who'd come in a cab . . ."

"Why not?" Mary was surprised.

"My dear," Deborah said quietly. "Nobody comes a reception like mine in public transport. It's just improper. You could wear jeans and have the same effect."

Mary's face went red.

"It's okay, hon, I do understand. It's your first time, isn't it? By the way, how did you get the invitation?"

"Try to guess!" Mary smiled.

"It's easy. Your "big catch", your lover gave it to you, didn't he?"

"Knock it off!" Mary retorted calmly. "We're not lovers."

"Of course, of course! The man who could give a dress worth eight grand certainly couldn't be a lover.""What?!" Wide-eyed Mary gasped. "Does my dress cost eight thousand bucks?!"

"Relax, dolly, your earrings cost more."

"The jewels of course, but a dress?!"

"Don't worry, babe, some collection dresses can be much more expensive." Deborah laughed. "Poor Laura, she said to me just a few minutes ago how she wanted to buy this dress, but someone already bought it. Now I know who it was. Let's go, let's go! It's going to kill her!"

Mary was upset. She felt pity for Laura. "But I can't undress, can I?" Mary thought as she calmly walked with Deborah.

Disapproval

When the limousine stopped, Noirson rushed out and collided with a tall young athlete on the steps.

It was Dylon Noirson, his adopted godson. Robert did not just love him, he adored him. And knowing that, Dylon used the money and the Power of his godfather as if it were his own.

"Watch it!" Dylon Noirson pushed Robert. "Where were you? We tried to find you . . . Oh, Devil! What happened?! What are you so happy about?! Did you finally fuck her?"

"Better, my poor debauched boy! I'm going to marry her! She loves me, she agreed!"

"Are you mental?" Dylon gasped. "No, it's impossible! Tell me you're just teasing me, aren't you?!"

"You're human," Robert sighed sadly. "You can never understand me. Look, Dylon, I have a lot of work to do. See you later!"

And he left Dylon Noirson shocked and standing on the steps.* * *

Robert finished his "work" at 5:12 p.m. He was so tired, he could barely get to his bedroom, and then he did he kicked off his shoes, dropped his clothes on the floor and took a shower.

The icy-cold water rejuvenated him and filled him with newfound strength.

When Robert came out, Roger Slay threw a bathrobe on the shoulder of his Master and turned the water off. Noirson strolled back into his bedroom and fell down in the armchair.

"Roger," Noirson was smirking. "My dear Roger! I'm so happy! Are you happy for me?"

The servant held up his head and looked at his Master with so such a depression that the smile died on Robert's lips: "What's wrong, Roger?"

"I'm not happy, sir," the valet answered sadly. "Nobody's happy, but you."

"Look at her!" Robert sprang up, grabbed his wallet and showed Slay the photo of Mary. "Look closer!"

"Master, all I can see is her pretty face and strong arms." Roger sighed and shook his head. "And those hands can certainly handle a dagger!"

"Don't play the fool, Roger! You know what I mean!"

"Sir, wake up, please! She is just a copy, maybe a clone, but even twins could not be same! Mary Jablonskaia is just a usual young thing, smug, rude and impudent! Thousands of similar girls are living on Earth! On all your dates she had brass knuckles! For what?! In case you dare kiss her?"

"She's an orphan," drunk with feelings, Noirson smiled admiringly. "She's just used to protecting herself with primitive physical power. And I like it! Do you think, I'd like her more if she could only cry and pray? Hah! Of course, she's not the same, she's much better!"

"I can't believe my eyes!" Slay looked at his Master with despair. "You're in love, have you lost your mind!""Roger, my friend, don't worry! Yes, my first impression was wrong. Yes, she's rude, but with whom has she communicated all her life? With hypocritical corrupt tutors! With the same lost, embittered orphans! With impudent girls from rich families! She's envious, and I can understand that! I was even pleasantly surprised, because, she's a power girl, they didn't crush her soul! She doesn't need me vitally, she's capable of living without me. And this is why I appreciate her feelings to me! She'll never be a burden! We'll fight together, side-by-side! That dare-devil will be a trusty comrade-in-arms!"

"`Comrade'?" Slay was amazed. "The day that Catholic fosterling discovers, who you really are, she'll kill you!"

"Shut up!" Robert lost his patience. "You're a fool! You don't understand a thing! Mind your own business! Get me a suit, I'm going to the party!"

Slay bowed low and went to the closet.

* * *

Noirson was putting on his pants when John Becker burst into the dressing room.

"What the hell's going on?!" he screamed. "Why can't Judy go?!!"

"Don't shout at me!" Robert's metallic voice forced Becker to quiet down.

John took a breath and repeated calmly: "Why can't Judy go?"

"That's better," Noirson clasped the belt. "She can't come, because I don't want to see her. I'm going to divorce her."

Becker stared at Robert.

"What's the matter, John? I do remember our contract has a paragraph about a divorce. She'll get money, I'll marry Mary." Noirson burst out laughing. Slay gave him a shirt. Robert pulled it on and sang with a hoarse bass: "Marry-Mary! Merry-marry!"

"Fuck that bullshit off!" Becker looked at Noirson with rage. "You can't marry that monastic slut!""First," Robert replied haughtily. "I can do whatever I want. And second, watch your mouth when you're talking about my fiancée!"

"What?" Becker's face turned pale. "Is that true? Dylon told me, but I just couldn't believe it!"

"Yep, we were engaged at 2:03 p.m. And guess what? Jim Spencer did it."

"Robert, my boy!" Becker gasped with fear. "What have you done?! Jim's our man, but he's a real priest!!! Only humans can't understand what kind of responsibility they have after a betrothal!"

"I'm not human," Noirson replied calmly. Roger helped his Master with his jacket. "And I do understand."

Becker nervously took out a cigar.

"Don't smoke in my rooms!"

Angry John shoved the cigar in his pocket.

Slay held out ties and Robert started choose a tie to match his suit. Suddenly, he intercepted Becker's glance in the mirror. It was a murderer's glare.

Noirson spun to John: "Don't even think about it!" The face of the Beast was glowing with inhuman madness.

"What?.. Robert, dear, what do you mean?"

"I know your thoughts!" Noirson was trembling. "If you even try to kill her I'll summon my Father! He approved and blessed my choice!"

"As you wish, Your Worship!" Becker knelt. Robert helped him to get up: "Remember, John, and tell everybody. Let's stay friends, okay?"

Becker bowed and went away.

The high spirits left Noirson. He took the first tie and mechanically tied it up.* * *

"You lousy moron!" Furious Judy ran into the room as mad as a tigress in battle. "Why didn't you tell me about Deborah's reception, you idiot?!"

Thirty-five years old, tall, slim and graceful Judy Noirson was very beautiful, but Robert looked at his wife with vexation and spite: "Judy, I just wanted . . ."

"Shut up, your stupid chatter! I'm fed up with your dull twaddle!"

"Listen to me, brawler!.."

"No, you, nobody, listen to me! Do you think you could just pay me money and throw me out as if I was a prostitute?!"

"You are worse than a prostitute, you brazen face!"

"Look who's talking!" Judy smiled scornfully. "You're a fool, Robert Noirson! You were always a jerk!" And she went away.

Exhausted Noirson sat down on a stool. He was shuddering. He tried to light a cigarette, but his hands were shaking uncontrollably. He thought about Mary, yet even those thoughts could not please him.

Robert wearily plodded to his bedroom. He did not even try to take off his clothes, just fell down on the bed and turned the TV on. Noirson was too tired. He decided not to go to the stupid party. Tomorrow he would just tell Mary some lie about him being busy and not being able to get away.

If that would be necessary. Robert yawned and dozed off.

* * *

"Master," Slay carefully touched Noirson's shoulder. "Do you hear me? I'm sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to check with you to make sure?"

Robert looked at him sleepily.

"Your wife took a car and drove away . . .""And what?" Noirson yawned. "She can go wherever she wants. I don't care."

"Sir, she dressed up and I'm afraid she's gone to the party. To Deborah Niekamp, sir. Is it okay?"

For a few seconds Robert was indifferently looking at Roger. Suddenly, Noirson realized what his servant had said.

"Oh, shit!" Robert sprang up. "Get a car, hurry up! Oh, crap . . ."

The reception

Mary was enjoying the party. New people, new impressions . . .

Only one thought made Mary a little upset. Robert had not arrived yet and Mary was wondering: will he come at all? But it was not very important.

Mary J. was not shy and did not even try to pretend that she had any experience. When Laura offered to play cards, Mary answered calmly: "First, I do not know how to play, and second, I have money only for a taxi home."

Her frankness impressed the women. They decided to teach her, and Deborah pledged herself to bet for Mary. Deborah did not take risks. She knew Robert too well. He would give her back any money lost for sure.

"But anyway, Mary, you can't win," Deborah winked. "Lucky at love, unlucky in cards."

In the middle of the game Mary felt Deborah gently kick her under the table. At first Mary did not understand what she meant.

"Should I play a queen?" Mary asked and lifted up her eyes. She saw Judy Noirson and fell silent.

"Oh, Judy, good evening!" Laura smiled malevolently. "Let me introduce you to Mary. This is Judy Noirson, the wife of Robert and this is Robert's . . . Ah, what's the word?"

"That word," Judy said through clenched teeth. "Can not be used in respectable society."Mary threw the cards: "What do you want?!"

"I want to talk to you. Seriously, baby."

"Of course, Mrs. Noirson!" Mary got up from the table. "Excuse me, ladies."

They moved aside. Minute Mary was shorter than Judy, by at least nine inches, but she daringly glared at her face. That woman had a man, whom she, Mary, loved selflessly, and for the first time in her life the girl felt irresistible hatred.

"Listen to me, you clever whore!" Judy started with a spite. "You can have that jerk, I don't care! But I'll get my money, be sure!"

"Mrs. Noirson! If I marry him it will be for Love, not for money!"

"Give me a break, babe! What can make you attracted to him except money?! He's more than twice as old as you!"

"It doesn't matter."

"May be now. A few years later, when you want sex, and he won't be able to give it to you, you'll get a young lover!"

Mary slapped Judy.

At that moment a camera flashed. One smart reporter had watched Judy Noirson from her arrival. He was rewarded for his persistence: he took a picture when Mary's palm touched Judy's cheek.

Infuriated, Judy pushed Mary, but the girl clutched her shoulder.

"I'm a whore, am I?" she hissed into Judy's face. Robert's words sounded into her mind: `She only wanted money!' And having been racked with jealousy, the girl did not think, was that true or not. "How about you, you rotten . . ." and Mary called her a few such insulting names which left Judy gasping in shock, and now she slapped that ill-mannered young bitch, whom she would not even use to clean the driveway. The females seized each other like wild cats. Other cameras started flashing. People shouted and screamed.

Suddenly a mighty bass thundered in the hall: "J u d y !!!"

The females released each other and looked to where the sound had come from. It was Robert. He went to them very fast, at a run. Mary felt awful shame.

But Judy was really terrified. She had never seen her husband so mad. Uncle John warned her many times not to irritate Noirson. But she did not believe him; she took the indifference of her husband as weakness and cowardice. Only now Judy did realize how wrong she was.

Robert grabbed her elbow, coldly smiled and quickly took his wife to the exit.

When they got outside, Noirson hissed into Judy's ear: "You will pay for that, bitch! Oh, you'll be very, very sorry!" He passed shocked, submissive Judy to his servants and returned to the hall.

* * *

When Robert took Judy away, Mary was sure he would not come back. She took a deep breath, put her dress in order and addressed to the hostess: "Look, Deborah, I'm sorry, I have to go. Could you, please, show me a phone, I've gotta call a taxi."

"Taxi ?!" The women did not hear Robert's light steps. But he heard Mary's words.

"Y e s ," Deborah could not hide a smile. "Poor girl came here in a cab and was planning to leave the same way."

"Taxi! . . ." Noirson looked at Mary with amazement. "But I told you to rent a car!"

"I'm sorry!" Mary mumbled. "I'm afraid to drive in rush hour. And I wasn't sure about the address . . ."

"Oh, Robert, she's so cute!" Deborah kissed Mary's cheek.

"By the way, Deborah," Noirson smiled. "Today I have done it, what you asked me, don't worry anymore."

"Oh, thanks a lot!" Deborah gratefully pressed her hands to her chest. "Only you could help me!"

"At your service, Your Highness! Any problem, feel free to ask me, princess!" Noirson slightly bowed."Oh, Robert, you are the best!"

"Don't forget to check out the glove compartment." Noirson gave Deborah a wink. "I'm sure, you'll be pleasantly surprised . . . I'm terribly sorry, Deborah, about that scandal."

"It's okay," she answered, dropping her voice. "It made the party exciting."

"Oh, yeah? Okay, but now we really have to go. Thank you for taking care of my fiancée."

"O-o-o-oh !" Deborah drawled. "Oh, Mary, why didn't you tell me? Bad girl! But it's okay. Congratulations!"